Keeping kids busy: your options

At this point kids being out of school for the third week is imminent and parents are stuck scrambling for options for their kids.

Many of the programs first offered when the summer ended are winding down and parents are left with even less options.

Castanet called around to those still offering options for kids during school hours and this is what we found:

YMCA of Okanagan

They are currently running day camps for kids to keep them engaged until the regular school year begins and say they will keep running them until the end of the strike.

Kelowna Family YMCA’s day camps are $30 a day and are flexible so parents can choose the days that work best for their family. Camps begin at 8:30am and will run until 2:30pm, providing care during regular school hours.

The Rutland Centennial Hall is offering day camps for kids in Grade 1–6 that run from 7:30am–5:30pm. They are charging $36 per day (based on weekly registration) and will run until the end of the strike.

H2O Adventure + Fitness Centre will be accepting registrations on a day-to-day basis for their day camps, offered from 8:30am to 4:30pm at a cost of $30 a day for members and $40 a day for the public. Parents can choose to add before and after school care at H2O for an extra $5 a day.

Camps will include active games, nature hikes, themed crafts, team challenges, swimming and more. Both facilities are urging parents to reserve a spot for their kids as soon as possible. Families will be fully reimbursed if the strike ends in time for school to begin. 

Visit ymcaokanagan.ca for all the details and to contact the facilities directly to register. 

Calling all young actors - Actor's Studio Strike Camp.

To assist families facing the BC teachers labour dispute, the Actor's Studio will offer age-appropriate learning, exploration and theatre games. 

A full theatrical experience is promised. Students participate in games, improv, script work, musical theatre, scenes and on camera instruction. 

Taught by two experience instructors and two teachers aids, your kids will be kept engaged all day.

Lunches will be included in the daily fee and provided by the Bike Shop Cafe and Catering Company.

Weekly fee for the day camp is $200.00+gst for each week that the strike continues per child.  This is an ongoing program until the labour dispute ends.

There are currently only two slots left for next week Sept 15-19. ....Call the box office for availability 250-862-2867 or email – [email protected]

The City of Kelowna’s Active Living and Culture division  

The City’s program leaders have engaging activities planned that will keep the kids having fun in a safe environment.

The day camp at the Parkinson Recreation Centre, 1800 Parkinson Way, will run until the kids are back to school. Participants can be dropped off starting at 7:30 a.m.with pick up by 5:15 p.m. and is suitable for ages 6 to 12. The cost is $165 per week.

There will also be a day camp at the Kinsmen Fieldhouse, 3975 Gordon Dr., for ages 5 to 12.

Participants can be dropped off between 8:30 and 9 a.m. with pick up between 5 and 5:30 p.m. The cost is $150 for the week.

Parents and guardians are encouraged to register here ahead of time as camps are filling up fast. 

The Kelowna SPCA 

The Kelowna SPCA will be hosting a strike camp throughout September for students ages 8 to 11. 

Students will spend the day doing a variety of activities that stimulate learning and lead to a greater understanding of what it takes to be a pet owner.

They will get a chance to interact with the kittens and cats at the shelter, and even have the chance to teach them a few tricks. Students will learn about issues including animal cruelty, oil spills, animal jobs, and many more.

Learning will be supplemented by various special guests (including animals) throughout the week, along with a field trip to a honey farm. Camps are open for anyone ages 8 to 11.

Camps are full until September 19 but registration of open for camps running form Sept 22 to 26 and there are still spots available.

For more information or to register go to the SPCA website. 

The Kelowna's Rotary Centre for the Art

Kelowna's Rotary Centre for the Arts is running programs from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday to Friday until regular school officially returns.

$30 daily fee per youth payable at morning sign-in /registration. 

Each day there will be a variety of supervised activities taking place: i.e. art instruction (supplies included); review last year’s homework if on hand (optional); 1.5 hour workshops taught by community professionals (drama, dance, no-contact martial arts); art inspired walks within the Cultural District (i.e. Rotary Marshes bird sanctuary; Kasugai Gardens) 

Snacks and lunches are not provided. The bistro is open during this time and a Kidz Brown Bag lunch is available  if parents are interested.

For more information go to their website or call (250) 717-5304.

Rodney Hobson Karate Academy

The Rodney Hobson Karate Academy are offering full-day karate camps for school aged kids at their location in Rutland.

Kids will learn karate skills, social skills, and confidence building through daily talks on peer pressure and bullying.

Drop off is at 8 a.m., pickup is around 5 to 5:30 p.m.The cost is $35 per day or $150 for the week.
Camps will continue until the strike ends

Info on their site www.rhka.com or call 250.491.8313.

Okanagan Boys and Girls Clubs

Okanagan Boys and Girls Clubs are continuing their support of kids and families. The club will continue to provide full day care for school age children throughout the Okanagan.

Okanagan Boys and Girls Clubs provides a safe, supportive place where children and youth can experience new opportunities, overcome barriers, build positive relationships and develop confidence and skills for life.

Space is limited and families currently accessing programs will be given first priority. Each of the clubs across the Okanagan will do their best to accommodate additional families. 

If you are a family in need of care for your child, please contact your local Club or the Okanagan Boys and Girls Clubs Administrative Office at 250-762-3914 for more information. 

AKHockey Skill Centre EDUCATIONAL - FUN - HOCKEY ORIENTED 

Players of all skill level are welcome!

For kids aged 7-12 from 8:30 AM - 3:30 PM

Each day includes on ice - stick and puck work, skills training at the AKHockey Skill Centre, dry-land training and a lecture.

Lectures will focus on goal setting, teamwork, work ethic, attitude, character, perseverance, accountability, courage, responsibility and more.

Check out more on their website. 

PacificSport Okanagan

PacificSport Okanagan offers week long XploreSportZ camps to youth aged 9-12 beginning September 2nd until school resumes.

These camps will give parents in search of child care relief during the ongoing teacher strike while providing participants a fun and dynamic experience.

Campers will participate in a number of traditional and non-traditional sports under the supervision of certified coaches and experienced youth leaders.

Camps will run out of the lower mission area from 9:00am-4:30pm each day with a cost of $125 per child for a full weeklong camp.

For more info click here. 

The Kelowna Art Gallery and Bumbershoot Theatre

The Kelowna Art Gallery and Bumbershoot Theatre are collaborating in anticipation of a continued teachers’ strike.

Students will learn about artists from the past and present who are inspired by the fantastical, the absurd, and the surreal.

Hands-on activities will include drawing, painting, and sculpture projects. At Bumbershoot Theatre children will engage with subjects that are normally taught in the B.C. school curriculum (language, social studies, math and science) through theatre.

The pickup and drop off of participants for all classes will take place at the Kelowna Art Gallery.

For activities scheduled at Bumbershoot Theatre, located one block from the Gallery, children will walk accompanied by an adult supervisor. Children are required to bring two snacks, lunch, and a water bottle.

Dates: September 15 to 19 -- Time: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m, Ages: 6 to 10, Cost: $30.00 per day - register for one or more days

To secure your spot call the Kelowna Art Gallery at 250-762-2226.

Kelowna Yacht Club 

Kelowna Yacht Club is putting on a series of activities from September 2 to 26.

Sailing, paddleboarding, kayaking and other fun activities, depending on everyday’s weather. Dress warmer as it is September! Register for one day or as many days as you want!

Ages 7 +, Times: 9am to 4pm, Days: Monday to Friday, until September 26, 2014, Cost: 1 day = $35

Check out their website for more info! 

Willowstone Academy

Willowstone Academy is offering childcare during the labour dispute. Childcare is available for children in grades K-7 from 8:30am until 2:30pm for $40/day.

Call (250)764-3111 to register.

Maple Springs Bible Camp 

Maple Springs Bible Camp is running day camps from September 15-19 in Peachland.

They promise plenty of great games and learning activities, like archery, arts and crafts, leather working, arts and crafts, hiking, cooking with campfire and much much more! Lunch also provided! For information check out their web page.

Day camps with them will end September 19, regardless of whether the strike continues.

If you are running an activity or camp, send the info to [email protected].